Braised Chinese Lamb Shanks

4 Lamb shanks

1/4 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 Cup plain flour

2 Tbsp Chinese 5 spice powder

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

4 Cm piece fresh ginger

2 Garlic cloves

2 Green onions

1 Large carrot

1 Small, dried chilli

2-Star anise

2 Tbsp light soy sauce

1 L salt-reduced beef stock

Rice, Chilli, Green onions and Coriander.

1. Pat lamb dry with a paper towel. Place flour and Chinese 5 spice in a large snap lock bag, add lamb and toss to coat.

2. Heat half the oil in a large casserole dish over mediumhigh heat and cook shanks, in 2 batches, if necessary, for 6-8 minutes or until browned all over. Remove shanks from pan and set aside.

for 1 minute. Add onions and carrots and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Add chilli (if using), star anise, soy and beef stock.

4. Return the shanks to the pan and bring to a boil, adding water, if necessary, to completely cover the shanks.

5. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover and cook for 2 ½ -3 hours or until lamb is tender and falling off the bone.

*Serving size calculator is approximate, feel free to adjust by adding a pinch here and there as needed

3. Add the remaining oil to the same casserole dish, heat over medium-low heat and add ginger and garlic. Cook

6. Serve shanks with braising liquid and vegetables, Asian greens, rice, chilli, green onions and coriander.

The Bribie Island Gem and Fossicking Club operates from premises in the Bribie Island Community Arts Centre complex and is a not-forprofit organisation where members enjoy practising the various skills associated with the lapidary craft and these include casting, silversmithing, enamelling, faceting and even wax casting. After spending some time with them, you can see that being in the club offers members a lot more than just the opportunity to cut stones and make jewellery. The friendship and support that is clearly evident within the club, play an important role in the member's lives, they are more than a club, they are a family of sorts. The members we met while on our visit, were warm and friendly and very happy to show how the equipment and tools worked and the products they make and happily answered any of our questions. At the moment, they are a busy hub getting ready for their Gemfest which will be held on the 2nd weekend in September, Sat

8 am to 4 pm and Sun 8 am to 2 pm.

The festival will offer visitors a chance to check out the displays and also pick up a few early Christmas presents. There will be raffles, live demonstrations, free children's fossicking tables and refreshments and food throughout the day.

From when the club was founded in November 1998, it has grown to be one of the best-equipped Gem and Fossicking clubs in Australia and after spending time there recently and seeing the range of devices that are available to members, I can see why. If anyone would like to find out more about becoming a member of the Gem and Fossicking Club, they can pay a visit to the premises during opening hours which are from 8 am to 1 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday or email Secretary@ bribiegemclub.com.au

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